Ogrekin (CR +1)

The result of an unfortunate union between an ogre and a humanoid, the ogrekin (or half-ogre) is cursed with horrific malformations due to its tragic ancestry. Shunned by both parents, ogrekin tend to form unstable clans of their own, often resorting to inbreeding to sustain the collective. While good-natured ogrekin are not entirely unheard of, they are far and few between.

Creating an Ogrekin

“Ogrekin” is an inherited template that can be added to any Medium humanoid (referred to hereafter as the base creature). An ogrekin retains all the base creature’s Statistics and Special Abilities except as noted here.

The ogrekin takes no penalty to Intelligence from the ogrekin template.

3

Gnarled Hands

The ogrekin gains a claw attack. This attack is considered a primary natural attack that deals 1d6 points of damage. If the ogrekin already possesses a claw attack, it instead gains Improved Natural Attack (claw) as a bonus feat.

The ogrekin is partially blind. Creatures targeting the ogrekin increase their attack bonuses for flanking to +4, and the ogrekin takes a –2 penalty on all ranged attack rolls against targets more than 30 feet away.

Ogrekin Encounters

Ogrekin are solitary creatures and rarely live in groups of more than six. While not particularly intelligent, ogrekin can plan simple ambushes and tactics but quickly fall back on the savagery of their monstrous parents, aggressively attacking the most physically imposing enemies first and using their deformities and great strength to terrible effect at close range. At their most merciful, ogrekin prefer to take living captives that they treat with widely varied levels of hospitality. Ogrekin are rarely encountered in settlements, though they often prowl close to a town’s fence or city’s gate, waiting for unsuspecting travelers. This lonely existence leads many ogrekin to tame and train wild animals, a practice ogrekin take to with ease by quickly establishing dominance over beasts with their prodigious physical strength. These pets form resilient bonds with their masters and remain fiercely protective even after their owners’ death.

The few ogrekin who have found acceptance into more civilized groups are often used as dispensable tools, sent out as the first lines of defense to deal with potential troublemakers. Though rarely treated with any kindness, these ogrekin strive for approval from their fellows, and can demonstrate great bravery when opportunities present themselves. Among tribes of their own kind, some ogrekin readily take up divine spellcasting. Healers and seers are highly valued for their utility both in battle and when processing new slaves.